Detroit Lions will improve dramatically if this is their NFL Draft, Pat Caputo says

The Lions’ schedule was released this week, and people are stumbling over themselves, per usual, trying to figure out their final record.

But it’s impossible to tell at this point exactly how good the Lions will be in 2014.

The NFL Draft is the biggest “X” factor and won’t be held until May 8-10.

The Lions have six picks within the first 136 selections. If these are the selections, the Lions will immediately improve and have a much better chance of making a playoff run this coming season:

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First round, 10th overall: Eric Ebron, tight end, North Carolina – For all the talk about the Lions needing a wide receiver, they need a game-breaking tight end even more. They signed wide receiver Golden Tate as their lone big-money free agent. And Ebron is not just a tight end, he’s the best prospect at the position in many years with wide receiver speed, tight end size and terrific athleticism. He is outstanding running after the catch and runs the seam route down the middle of the field exceptionally well. And that is the throw Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford makes better than any other.

Second round, 45th overall: Deone Bucannon, safety, Washington State – Bucannon has size, speed and is a big-time hitter. He performed well during Senior Bowl week and held up against some of the best passing attacks in the nation while facing Pac 12 competition in college. It would not be a surprise if he turns out to be a better NFL player than more celebrated safety prospects in this draft such as Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Louisville’s Calvin Pryor.

Third round, 76th overall: Carl Bradford, linebacker, Arizona State - There is some debate whether Bradford fits better as an inside linebacker or as outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He’s athletic and tough and has some ball skills. If he is there at 76th overall, it would be tough for the Lions to bypass him.

Fourth round, 111th overall pick: Josh Huff, wide receiver, Oregon – Huff came on strongly at the end of his last year at Oregon. He had a huge game in the Civil War against Oregon State, winning the game with a spectacular catch. He also stood out against Texas in the bowl game. He is a solidly built former running back, who would fit in well as a slot receiver right away.

Fourth round (compensatory), 133rd overall pick: Ross Cockrell, cornerback, Duke – A very productive college player. He measures out well in most areas physically and has the mental aptitude to step into the league immediately and play, not only as a contributor on special teams, but as a nickel back.

Fourth round (compensatory), 136th overall pick: Craig Loston, safety, Louisiana State – A strong, physical safety who has performed well against some of the better passing attacks in the nation at LSU. Loston is a potential starter down the road. Like Cockrell, he will likely contribute significantly on special teams immediately. As importantly, he is more depth in the secondary, an area the Lions always seem to be lacking.

The Lions don’t have another selection until the sixth round (No.189). The wild card factor here is quarterback. Should the Lions take one within the first 136? They don’t have an established backup for Matthew Stafford, nor somebody who would push him should he falter as he did at the end of the 2013 season. Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas would be an intriguing pick for the Lions late in the draft.